Authorities examine generator without gas in Maryland deaths of dad and children

A father and his seven children–six years old to the teens–were found dead in their one-story home in Maryland this week. Relatives said the father had been trying to keep the family warm with a generator after the power was cut because of an outstanding bill.

According to WISH-TV, Lloyd Edwards told The Associated Press that his stepson, 36-year-old Rodney Todd, had bought the generator after the power was shut off to the home in Princess Anne, about 60 miles southeast of Annapolis on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Authorities would not confirm any information about possible carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, but Princess Anne Police Chief Scott Keller told The AP that there was no foul play and that a generator with no gasoline was found in the kitchen. He confirmed that the electricity to the home was turned off.

Todd, a single dad, was a utility worker at a nearby university. The cause of the deaths remains under investigation.

We now have a proactive program with our Emergency Service, Fire Prevention, and Emergency Medical Service bureau. The personnel now have a CO monitor to evaluate the hazardous environment upon arrival. This is especially useful during our CRR smoke alarms installation drives. Lt. David B. Sawyer Columbus Division of Fire Columbus, Ohio 43207